Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson hosts Agriculture Technology Roundtable

An Agriculture Technology Roundtable discussion was hosted by Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson on Tuesday, May 18 in Stoneville.

The discussion invited farmers, university officials, legislators and stakeholders at the MSU Delta Research and Extension Center.

“The future of agriculture, Mississippi’s top industry, is driven heavily by the introduction and adoptions of new technologies,” said Commissioner Gipson. “This roundtable provided us the opportunity to bring together various stakeholders to discuss the vital role technology plays in agriculture and its importance to the industry and farmers’ bottom lines.”

MSU Extension Service Associate Director and interim Executive Director of the Delta Research and Extension Center, Dr. Steve Martin, began by providing a brief background on DREC. Pete Nelson, executive director of AgLaunch in Memphis, Tenn., discussed the organization’s efforts to grow ag tech companies and build collaborative farmer networks. Dee Boykin from the Southern Soil & Plant Lab, LLC, in Yazoo City, discussed agriculture technology practices used by farmers including aerial imagery, drones and variable rate applications, as well as difficulties faced by farmers with lack of broadband access.

In addition to precision agriculture, drones and robots, plant phenomics, and traceability and block chain, Dr. Alex Thomasson of MSU’s Department of Agriculture and Biological Engineering discussed the benefits of other technologies. The university’s dean and director of Land Grant Programs, Edmund Buckner, reviewed the research projects undertaken by the university, specifically in the area of specialty crops to boost yields and global food production. MDA’s V-Quad program, developed by V-Quad division and bureau manager Joe Donavon, aims to connect research universities with non-profits and government entities for the purpose to develop technologies and systems quickly.

“We heard real world examples of how farmers implemented technology to increase both yields and efficiencies. That means more food is produced while increasing profits for farmers. I appreciate those who were part of the important discussions during this busy time for our farmers. This roundtable was just the beginning of many discussions to come regarding the importance of technology in agriculture and its future role within the industry,” said Commissioner Gipson.